Religion and karma: The changing goalposts
Religion and karma, these two terms are used in parallel proportions. Something which is religiously acceptable is considered a good karma. On the contrary, behaviour against religion is labelled as bad karma.
Before moving forward with karma, let’s see what actually religion is. A set code of conduct defined by any particular or specific doctrine is called a religion. There are various religions around the world, but the basic values of every religion are similar. Religion is something that demands strict adherence to a pre-designed module of actions. Religion somewhere relates us with our ancestors, the practices followed by them are followed by us also; in a way we all have a traditional set of religious norms.
In fact, religion is a complex concept to define because it directly affects the human psyche and emotions. While looking back at the historical origin of religion, somewhere we can relate it with the feelings of fear and reward.
The works, which we are supposed to do either bring a reward or are done due to a fear of being punished. Since the beginning of the world, man has a tendency to bow down before something superior, complex and unpredictable; we try to appease the supreme power and in return expect rewards from Him.
The diversity of religions has different sets of prescribed karmas; basically our karma is somewhat a reflection of our religious beliefs. The concept of karma is not new in our country; since ages it has been believed that our lives are a result of our karma.
Karma basically is the reflection of our deeds, as it is said that, as we sow so shall we reap. Thus karma is a reward or punishment of one’s deeds. Karma is a Sanskrit word, which refers to our actions done by our body and mind and these actions have an effect on our soul. Thereby, performing good acts carves our character in a better way; we become more humanitarian by that.
If we relate this concept of
WHILE LOOKING BACK AT THE HISTORICAL ORIGIN OF RELIGION, SOMEWHERE WE CAN RELATE IT WITH THE FEELINGS OF FEAR AND REWARD
karma with the concept of religion; we find a certain change in actions of contemporary people, because karma is different due to how one practises a religion as well how a religion is interpreted to be practised.
Also, the interpretations of religious terms change the karma within the same religion at different times.
Karma is what we get in return for our acts, but here our karma seems to be changing not due to our acts alone, but a change in the code of expected acts by external agencies also interprets our karma. This interpretation seems to be changing the goal posts while the game of life is in progress.
The concept of religion and the concept of karma keep on shifting from one set of norms to another set of norms. Most of the time, karma is devised to force people into submission to a way of life whose norms keep on changing. It has become a theory that keeps on changing its norms of right and wrong thereby making it tough and not so easy to practice.
The norms to be followedgiven in the name of the Almighty- are changed constantly by human beings in authority.
Instead of blindly following the religion or depending upon the karma of the previous birth, one should be governed by humanitarian considerations for fellow human beings. It would be only appropriate to follow such considerations for reaping the benefits of good karma.
The universal obligations or the act of obeying authorities should always be weighed on the axis of smooth and correct functioning of this world.